And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
With a lot of scandals happening in churches all over the world, it is becoming hard to find the right church.
Be very careful when looking for a local church because the kind of place you go to worship God will have a significant impact on your spiritual life.
Now some people think going to church is optional but that is not true. The church was purchased with the blood at the cross because God wants us to fellowship with other believers. So belonging to a local church is very important.
But how does one choose the right church?
Ask God for Guidance
Before going out to look for a church, ask God to order your steps. He knows the best churches around your area that can help you grow spiritually.
Praying seems to be an obvious step, but it is the most critical step because God knows what goes on in every church. You may get fooled easily by the excellent treatment you get when you visit particular churches, but God knows what goes on in the hearts of people who fellowship in that church.
A Word Based Church
Look for a church that is word-based that is one that does not stray from the word of God.
Today many people are flocking to churches with preachers who preach messages that make the congregants feel good. But the word of God is not meant to make us feel good about ourselves. It is supposed to correct, rebuke, and encourage people. (2 Timothy 4:2)
The preachers in the church you go to should preach about salvation, grace, holiness, and the coming judgment.
Some preachers only preach messages that bring fear in people’s heart so that they can instill fear and control the congregation. You need to be wary of that. The word of God is not meant to bring demonic fear in our hearts for God does not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind.
Leadership
We are living in dangerous times where false preachers have crept into the church. They want to confuse innocent people by teaching them wrong doctrines so that Christians can fall away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ. The good thing is we judge true believers by the fruits they bear.
Ask your heavenly Father to give you the gift of discernment so that you can be able to differentiate true church leaders from false ones.
Ministry
We do not just go to church to be ministered to and then leave.
The church you go to should be a place that helps you to develop your calling. God has given us different gifts. A good church will encourage you to build and grow your gifts by creating opportunities where you can serve. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
The truth is there is no perfect church out there, but with God’s help, you will be able to find a place where you will learn more about God and grow spiritually. Go to a church where people worship God in spirit and truth.